Hookah Hardware and Shisha: A Basic Product Guide

A hookah is made up of several parts that work together, plus the shisha and charcoal that go with it. If you're new to hookah, here's a plain breakdown of each component and how a setup goes together.

The hookah itself

The main pipe is built from a base (the water chamber), a stem that runs down into it, and a tray up top that holds the bowl. Hookahs range from compact, single-hose setups to larger multi-hose bases, and body style is mostly a matter of size and look rather than one being more functional than another.

The bowl

The bowl sits on top and holds the shisha. Bowl material and depth affect heat distribution and how long a session lasts, and bowls are generally sold separately from the hookah itself, so they're an easy way to change up a setup without replacing the whole pipe.

The hose

The hose is what you draw from. We carry Deezer's washable silicone hoses, which are easier to keep clean than traditional fabric-wrapped hoses since the inside can be rinsed out directly.

Heat management: charcoal, foil and heat management devices

Charcoal sits above the shisha (often under foil or a heat management device) and provides indirect heat. We carry natural coconut-coir charcoal from Coco Nara and Golden Desert, and quick-light charcoal from Three Kings that ignites faster but burns hotter and faster than natural coconut charcoal. Fumari's hookah foil is used with the traditional foil-and-toothpick heat setup; heat management devices (HMDs) are a metal alternative to foil that many people find easier to manage session-to-session.

What shisha is

Shisha is the flavored product placed in the bowl. We carry Al Fakher's molasses-based shisha across a wide range of fruit and mint flavors, along with Al Fakher's plain Mint, and Starbuzz's Pomberry and Sex On The Beach blends. Selection rotates with availability, and we describe shisha by flavor and brand only.

Putting a first setup together

A complete first-time setup needs: the hookah itself, a bowl, a hose, shisha, charcoal, and either foil or an HMD. Because there are several parts that all have to work together, it helps to have staff walk through compatible pieces in person rather than guessing at sizes from a list — hose and bowl fittings vary by hookah design.

Basic care between sessions

Rinse the base with water after use and let it air dry to avoid residue buildup. Silicone hoses like Deezer's can be rinsed through directly; traditional hoses generally can't be submerged and need different care. Empty spent charcoal and shisha from the bowl and tray rather than leaving them to sit.

Frequently asked questions

How much charcoal do I need for a session?

It depends on the hookah and bowl size, and usually takes a couple of pieces to start with more added as a session goes on. Staff can walk you through a typical setup for your specific bowl.

What's the difference between natural and quick-light charcoal?

Natural coconut charcoal (like Coco Nara or Golden Desert) takes longer to light but burns cleaner and more evenly. Quick-light charcoal (like Three Kings) ignites in under a minute but burns hotter and faster.

Do I need a heat management device, or is foil fine?

Either works. Foil is the traditional method and costs less to start; an HMD is a reusable metal alternative that many find more consistent once you're used to it.

Can I mix and match hose, bowl and hookah brands?

Generally yes, as long as the fittings match. Bring your hookah in if you're shopping for a replacement bowl or hose and we can confirm fit.

Build your setup in store

Hookahs, accessories, and shisha are available in store, and selection varies by availability.

Related guides

Looking for a wider range of smoke-shop accessories? See our guide to common accessories.

Plan your visit

Last updated July 2026. Visit Ember Smoke & Vape at 2860 E. McKellips Road, Suite 3, Mesa, AZ 85213, open daily 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Adults 21+ only; valid ID required.